Adjustably permeable and extensible groin



Feb. 27, 1934. G. A, YOUNGBERG 1,948,639

ADJUSTABLY PERMEABLE AND EXTENSIBLE GRoIN Filed July l1. 1931 2 Sheets-Sheet l 6m amv Yam/65H20* amig# Feb. 27, 1934.

G. A. YOUNGBERG ADJUSTABLY PERMEABLE AND EXTENSIBLE GROIN Filed July ll, 1931 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 m. m w W W w22 3 a pil, W ,y 7a n u f .4.7 E u m Nu 6. 5

Patented Feb. 27, 1934 Y anJUs'rABLY man Plum slam Gaom A cima rmgberg, Jamming ma; man, 11, maserati No. 550,216

schim. (ci. s1-4) This invention relates in general to beach building Aand maintaining structures and more particularly Vhas reference to an adjustably extensible and permeable groin.

It is well known that storms, and oiLshore cur.- rents flowing past many beaches often work to eventually destroy the beaches. This depletion of a Vbeach -is caused by the sand being taken up therefrom and carried and subsequently deposited at some other point in the path of the current.

In an attempt to maintain the sand on a beach, ortobuildupthesandonabeach,atortoa desirable level, one of two types of conventional structures has generally been provided, both of an essentially impermeable character, incapable of being easily modified; namely, a breakwater, or

a groin, or a combination of these.

A breakwater, usually constructed of stone or concrete for the purposes under consideration, is positioned at substantially rightangles to the shore line and extended' seaward, at a height above the water. A groin, on the other hand, is generally constructed of wood or steel pilingsimilarly positioned, but the top is usually not far from the high water level. In the construction of groins and'breakwaters, in the past, other materials than those mentioned have, of course, been employed.

Both a breakwater and a groin or a combination of the two, are adapted to build up the beach or maintain a beach to or at a desirable level, on

the current, frequently also called the weather V side thereof. A breakwater has the disadvantage, by reason of its height and its impermeability of building up a beach to too great an extent on the current side by trapping all the sand, and allowv ing the same on the other side to become depleted. This disadvantage is overcome to some extent in the use of a conventional groin allowing the waves to break over the same for the deposition of the sand carried' thereby on the opposite side of the structure. The, force of the waves breaking over a groin of thistype, however, causes undesirable depressions in the beach on the far side thereof.

In the use of a breakwater, moreover, the

beach tends to build up to a fiat level on the current side; so as to destroy the gradual slope desirable in a beach. This has been alleviated to some extent in the provision of groins sloping beneath the water level, but this 4construction has been attended by the same disadvantages as a flat or level groin and has proven lmsatisfactory in practice, as it aiords little protection for the beach on the far side of the structure.

Further, evenwithvthe use of a breakwater or a groin, the conformation of a beach undergoes a. continual change, and the previous structures, being of an inliexible nature, have been lacking in 'provision for directing the sand carried by the currents to compensate for such. changes, with the result that such constructions have frequently vnot proven eflicacious forthe purpose of satisfactorily building up or maintaining a. beach.

'I'he disadvantages heretofore existing in beach building or maintaining structures may be summarized as residing in the fact that the same have beenof an inflexible or permanent nature, iixecly as respecting height and length, and principally that previous to myv invention it has not been glenerally recognized that such structures, if permea-bly constructed, will very often overcome the disadvantages which it has long been unsuccessfully sought to eliminate. I

An object of this invention is to provide a permeable groin.

Another object of vthis invention is to provide an adjustable permeable groin. j

Still another object of this invention is to provide an extensible groin. v

Still another object of this invention is to provide an adjustably extensible groin.

Still another object of this invention is to provide an adjustable, permeable and extensible groin.V

Still another object of this invention is to provide a groin adjustably extensible in length and height.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a permanent groin, adjustably permeable,

and extensible in height and length.

A further object of this invention is to provide an adjustably extensible and permeable beach building groin. I

A still further object of this invention is to provide an adjustably permeable and extensible beach maintaining groin.

A still further object of this invention is to provide a n adjustable and extensible groin which may be constructed from a variety 'of the same or diierent materials. v

With these and other objects in view which may be incident to my improvements, the invention consists in the parts andv combinations to be hereinafter set forth and claimed, with the understanding that the several necessary elements comprising my invention may be varied in construction, proportions and arrangement, without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

In order to make my invention more-clearly understood, I have shown in the accompanying drawings means for carrying the same into prac' tion, have been made the subject of illustration.

This invention consists in general of a groin capable of being combined with a conventional groin constructed of any suitable material or materials, built up in panels adjustably, extensible as regards height and length and adjustably permeable to any desired degree, whereby a beach of changing conformation may be built up and maintained at any predetermined level.

In the drawings forming a part of this specification:

Figure 1 is a side elevational viewshowing my preferred form or novel adjustably extensible and permeable groin installed on a beach.

Figure 2 is a side elevational View of one of the panels forming part of my groin, formed of upright members and crosspieces, showing the configuration of the blocks for tting between certain of the crosspieces,

Figure 3 is a sectional view taken on line 3 3 of Figure 2.

Figure 4 is a sectional view taken on line 4--4 of Figure 2.

Figure 5 is a side elevational fragmentary view showing metallic H-beam crosspieces and metallic H-beam blocks interposed between certain of the crosspieces, substituted for the wooden crosspieces and blocks, and are more durable than wood, particularly in salt water.

Figure 6 is a side elevational fragmentary View showing certain of the metallic H-beam crosspieces, such as are shown in Figure 5 provided with apertures to eliminate the use of block members.

Figure 7 is a sectional View taken on line 7-7 of Figure 6.

Figure 8 is a perspective view of an upright, crosspiece, and block, all shown formed of reinforced concrete. A similar upright may be made of timber or wood.

Figure 9 is a top fragmentary View of an upright, crosspiece and block, all shown constructed of wood.

Figure 10 is a tcp View of a groin shown provided with` an angularly arranged panel at the ends.

Figure 11 is a side elevational view of my novel groin shown forming a part, or an extension, of a conventional groin and sea wall.

Referring more particularly by numerals to the drawings, in which the same and similar elements are designated by like symbols of reference throughout, and more especially to Figure 1, there is shown a representation of my novel groin comprising spaced, aligned, upright members 1 having the ends of crosspieces 2 connected therebetween, to form a series of panels.

The crosspieces and certain of the panels are separated by interposed blocks 3 spaced as at 4 to provide apertures in the panels. The tops of the'uprights 1 are joined by connecting member 5 xed on one face or on the two opposite faces thereof.

The uprights l are adapted to have the lower ends driven in native rock, or other underlying material, indicated at 6, forming the bed of the beach, in aligned spaced relation. 'Ihe upright members are, in accordance with the preferred form of my invention, composed of metal, formed of parallel spaced side members 7 and 8 shown in Figure 3, connected by an integral intermediate web 9. It will be particularly noted that the members 7 and 8 of the upright, in conjunction with the intermediate web 9, form channels on each side of the web 9 between the side members. Structural steel members of the H or I-beam type are suitable for use as uprights in my novel groin construction.

. crosspieces, and are adapted 'Ihe ends of the crosspieces 2 are adapted to be tted between adjacent uprights in the opposite vertical channels provided therein on each side of the web 9. The crosspieces, which are adapted to be superimposed on one another, are, in accordance with the preferred form of my invention, composed of wood, steel, or precast concrete, in which latter case the blocks are cast as integral projections on the lower face of the crosspiece. The ends of the crosspieces are secured in the channels provided in the sides of the uprights by bolts 10 extending through registering apertures provided in the ends of the crosspieces, and in the members 7 and 9 of the uprights, by nuts 1l. Railroad ties, oak, pine, palmetto or other logs, may be utilized in the construction of my novel groin, for use as crosspieces.

In employing wooden crosspieces, it may be found desirable to impregnate the same with some suitable compound to prevent deterioration thereof by the action of marine parasites. Similarly, it may be found desirable to coat the metallic uprights with some suitable material resistant to the corrosive action which attends exposure of metal to sea water.

As hereinbefore mentioned, certain of the crosspieces are adapted to be separated by the blocks 3, interposed therebetween. These blocks, as shown in Figures 2, 3 and 4, are shorter than the to be fixed to the crosspieces, as is particularly shown in Figure 4. Bolts 12 extending through registering apertures provided in the blocks and crosspieces and secured by nuts 13 aioid a suitable connection. Drift bolts or spikes may be used.

The head of the bolt, and the nut, are adapted to t in apertures 14 and 15 provided in the opposite faces of the blocks and the crosspieces, concentric with the apertures therein so that the adjacent faces of the blocks and the crosspieces may fit flush with one another.

The connecting members 5 joining the tops of the uprights 2 are secured on the side portions 7 and 8 of the uprights, as is also shown in Figure 4, by bolts 16. The bolts 16 are adapted to extend through registering apertures provided in the connecting members 5 and the side portions 7 and 8 of the uprights secured by nuts 17.

The assembly of my groin will be apparent from the foregoing description. The uprights 1 are adapted to be driven in the native rock, or other material, forming the bed of a beach, in spaced and aligned relation, at substantially right angles to the shore line, orto the prevailing curg rents along shore. The ends of the crosspieces 2 are then adapted to be inserted in the channels provided on the sides of the adjacent uprights, forming a series of panels. In the panels in which it is desired to provide apertures, the blocks 3 are secured to the crosspieces- 2 before the same are inserted between the upright members. The sides of the crosspieces are xed in the channels in the uprights by bolts 10, as is also shown in Figure 4, extending through registering apertures provided in the side members 7 and 8.0i the uprights, and secured by nuts 11. The connecting members 5 joining the tops of the uprights are then fixed in place by the bolts 16 and nuts 17 extending through registering apertures in the connecting members and side members of the uprights.

It will be appreciated that my groin may be extended to any desired length by the provision of additional uprights 2, crosspieces fitted therebetween providing additional panels. Also the height of my groin may be regulated by the addition or withdrawal of crosspieces 2. Y

In an installation of my groin, the uprights may be extended beyond where it is initially intended to install `panels by fitting crosspieces therebetween, to provide for subsequently further ex,- tending the groin. Apertures may be provided in any or all of the panels, as has already been pointed out, by separating the vcrosspieces 2 through the interposition of blocks 3 secured thereto and dimensioned to provide apertures of a desirable size and configuration. The-size and configuration of an aperture will of course correspond to the length and configuration of one or more blocks attached to a crosspiece. The blocks, as shown in Figure 2, may be provided with flat or' angular faces 18 or 19, to provide an aperture in any desired configuration. Inasmuch as the blocks are only attached to a single crosspiece, itxwill be apparent that the same may be withdrawn from the crosspiece without the necessity of also withdrawing the crosspieces-immediately below the blocks. f

The relative longitudinal position and length of an aperture in a panel formed by a pair of uprights with crosspieces fitted therebetween is determined, as previously stated, by the length and number of the blocks. The relative vertical position of the `aperture is fixed by the placing of the blocks vertically, that is, according to whether the crosspieces carrying the blocks are inserted first or last between the channels in the adjacent uprights.

The size, location and relation of blocks and apertures is varied according to the physical characteristics of the beach-forming material and the elevation and width of beach desired in any` locality.

In the use Qi my novel groin, I am enabled to build and maintain a beach of any desirable character. Referring to Figure 1, I drive the uprights in native rock, or other 'material underlying the beach, with the tops thereof projecting to the mean high water level of a beach, or to other level appropriate to the site. As` the groin does not project much, if at all, above the water, the disruptive action of waves breaking over it is eliminated. In the provision of panels andapertures therein, all of the sand passing with the current is not entrapped, so that a portion of the beach-composing substance is passed through the groin and a beach thus built up and maintained on each side thereof. By extending the groin, a

vbeach of any desired width may be built up and maintained.v This is accomplished by the incor- 'lil poration of additional panels in the structure. By heightening the groin, accompanied by the addition of crosspieces, a beach of any predeter- `mined depth may be built up and maintained.

The apertures in the panels provide for build# ing up and maintaining beaches of corresponding levels on each side Aof the groin. By arranging the apertures in successive panels at progressively lower levels, and correspondingly increasing the size of the'apertures toward the end of the groin.

' a beach with a predetermined slope may be built up and maintained. It will be particularly noted that, in addition to increasing the size of the apertures toward the end of the groin, I oppositely decrease the size of the aperturesdownwardly in each panel. Crosspieces are lomittedto provide for large apertures. I extend the apertures in my groin'to the original sand level, where the same are progressively sand.

is inherent in a conventional groin, the blocks 3 may be eliminated and the crosspieces juxtaposed so asto' provide a closed groin. The height of the groin may be controlled, however, by the addition or withdrawal of crosspieces and the destructive erosive elect oi waves breaking over too high a groin, or a current passing over too low a groin. will be avoided.

By increasing the size of the apertures in the panels progressively toward the oceanward end of the groin, I provide for a complete interruption of the current near the shore to build up a beach,

Where it isvdesirable to obtain the effect that asl and merely a retarding effect on the outshore currents which will produce a scouring effect on the beach oor at that point,'but not to such an extent as to destroy the slope of the beach by piling up of the sand. My groin is, of course, readily adapted to rearrangement to meet and composed of structural elements similar to the metallic uprights rst described. In the use of metallic crosspieces, the blocks 3' may be eliminated,

and apertures of desirable size burnt therein, as

indicated at 22.

The uprights l, crosspieces 2 and blocks 3 may beconstructed of reinforced concrete as shown at 1", 2" and 3" in Figure 8. In this construction.

the blocks may be attached to the lower crosspieces by pins 23 tted in registering apertures 24 provided in the crosspieces and blocks. The said blocks may also be precast as integral projections on the side or sides of the crosspieces. In the use 'of reinforced concrete uprights 1", wooden or metallic crosspieces or blocks may also be ernployed if found desirable.A Steel uprights may be used with concrete crosspieces and blocks to form the panels.

In Figure 9 is shown an upright lformed of wood,

j having side' pieces 'l' and 8' and acentral web 9' for receiving the wooden crosspieces 2 and blocks 3. Manifestly, any of a number of materials `may be used in the construction of my groin, and

those described may be'interchanged if found desirable. Among the materials which may be used for the crosspieces are members formed of brush s uch as fascines. If it is desired to employ timber, it may be dressed or rough. In the use o reinforced concrete members, the same may be precast. i

My groin may be constructed with one or more panels angularly connected to the ends as shown in Figure 10 at 25, positioned at substantially parallel to the shore line to provide a sandtrap; if this should be found desirable. Also, similar panels, not shown, may be projected from certain or all of the intermediate uprights. The outer end of the groin, either with or without angular panels, may be anchored or supported by batter piles or by rubblestone, as shown at 26, which may be continued inshore or offshore as far as necessary.

the beach in The groin is also susceptible of' being built in combination with a permanent conventional structure, as shown in Figure 11. The panels constituting my groin are formed as a contnuation of a conventional groin formed of piling or other material 25. Similarly, my groin may be an extension of, or auxiliary to, a sea wall, with or without a solid groin intermediate, as shown at 28.

There is accomplished by this invention an adjustably extensible and permeable groin for build ing and maintaining a beach with a predetermined Width, depth, slope, and surface on each side thereof.

While I have shown and described the preferred embodiment of my invention, I wish it to be understood that I do not conne myself to the precise details of construction herein set forth, by way of illustration, as it is apparent that many changes and variations may be made therein, by those skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit of the invention or exceeding the scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

1.AA beach building and maintaining structure adapted to be positioned at substantially right angles to a current flowing along a beach comprising a series of panels formed of spaced aligned H or I shaped uprights, and cross pieces having the ends removably fastened in the channels provided in the sides of the adjacent uprights, certain of the cross-pieces and certain of the panels having short blocks removably secured therebetween and spaced apart longitudinally to provide a plurality of apertures between certain of the cross pieces and in certain of the panels.`

2. A beach building and maintaining structure adapted to be positioned at substantially right' angles to a current owing along a beach comprising a series of panelsformed of spaced aligned H or I shaped uprights, and cross pieces having the ends removably fastened in the channels provided in the sides of the adjacentuprights, certain of the cross-pieces and certain of the panels removably secured therehaving short blocks between and spaced apart longitudinally to provide a plurality of apertures between certain of the cross pieces and -i n certain of the panels, the blocks being removable so that blocks of different sizes may be substituted for the first named blocks to vary the size of the apertures'.

3. A beach building and maintaining structure adapted to be positioned at substantially right angles to a current flowing along a beach comprising a series of panels formed of aligned spaced H or I shaped uprights, and cross pieces having the ends removably fastened in the channels provided in the sides of the adjacent uprights, oertain of the cross pieces and certain of the panels having short blocks secured therebetween and spaced apart longitudinally to provide a plurality of apertures between certain of the cross pieces and in certain of the panels. the blocks being adapted to be differently positioned with respect to the cross pieces and in the panels to change the position of the apertures in the structure.

4. A beach building and maintaining structure adapted to b e positioned at substantially right angles to a current flowing along a beach comprising a series of panels formed of spaced aligned H or I shaped uprights, and cross pieces having the ends removably fastened in the channels provided in the sides of the adjacent uprights, certain of the cross pieces and certain of the panels having blocks removably secured therebetween and spaced apart longitudinally to provide a plurality of apertures between certain of the cross pieces and in certain of the panels, the blocks being removable so that blocks of different sizes may be substituted for the rst named blocks and differently positioned to vary the size and position of the apertures.

5. A beach building and maintaining structure comprising spaced Vertical uprights, horizontal cross pieces connected between the uprights and spacers of different length shorter than the cross pieces interposed between certain of the cross pieces, to provide apertures in the structure of varying size, positioned at different levels.

6. A beach building and maintaining structure comprising vertical spaced uprights having the opposite sides channeled horizontal cross pieces fitted between the uprights with the ends fitted in the channels in the uprights, and blocks of different length shorter than the cross pieces interposed between certain of the cross pieces to provide for apertures of different size and differently positioned for passing predetermined quantities of sand at varying levels for building up a beach of the desired depth and slope on each side of the structure.

7. A beach building and maintaining structure comprising a groin composed of fabricated sections, means to join the sections, each section having apertures of different size, positioned at different levels therein, and means to vary the size and position of the apertures in the sections, and the number of sections comprising the groin being variable for extension or retraction of the groin, for building up a beach of a desired depth, slope and width on each side of the groin.

8. A beach building and maintaining structure comprising a groin composed of sections, means to join the sections, each section having apertures of progressively smaller size toward the bottom, the apertures in each section being of progressively greater size in the successive seotions outward and the apertures in the successive sections outward being of a progressively lower level, to provide for building up a beach of a desired depth and slope by deposition of sand on each side of the groin.' 

